Summer Holiday Packing List for Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

Toddlers get through clothes fast, burn easily and can never be out of sight near water. This printable list covers a week-long summer holiday with a one to three-year-old, with NHS sun advice, CDC water safety advice and what to buy at your destination.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Safety advice comes from the NHS, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Lullaby Trust.

Toddlers and summer holidays are a great mix: sand, water, ice cream and a whole new world to explore. They are also a lot to pack for. Toddlers get through clothes fast, need protecting from the sun more carefully than older children, can’t be out of sight near water for a second, and still nap and snack on their own schedule. This list covers a week-long summer holiday with a child aged one to three, whether you’re going to a beach, a lake, a city or a theme park.

Sun protection

Young children’s skin burns easily. The NHS advice for sun safety is to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, make sure you never burn, cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses, take extra care with children, and use at least SPF 30 sunscreen with at least 4-star UVA protection. It says not to rely on sunscreen alone, and to use enough and reapply it often. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.

For a toddler that means:

• A hat with a wide brim or a neck flap, and a spare.
• Lightweight long-sleeved tops or a sun suit for the beach.
• Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher with 4-star UVA, and enough of it.
• Sunglasses if your toddler will keep them on.
• Shade: a beach tent or umbrella, and a clip-on sunshade for the buggy. The Lullaby Trust advises against covering a buggy with a blanket or cloth that blocks airflow, as the child can overheat.

Water safety

The CDC says more children aged 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause. Its advice includes:

• A responsible adult should watch children closely and constantly whenever they’re in or near water. Swimming lessons don’t replace this.
• Don’t rely on air-filled or foam toys such as armbands or noodles: they are not safety devices.
• Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning, especially when boating.
• Pools should have a four-sided fence at least four feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

On holiday, pools at villas and apartments often have no fence. Ask before you book, and agree in your family who is watching the children at any moment. Taking turns, with a clear handover, works better than everyone “keeping an eye”.

Decision table: bring, buy there, or skip

Printable packing list

Use your browser’s print button to print this list. Quantities are for about a week; adjust for your trip and laundry access.

Clothes

• ☐ T-shirts or light tops (8 to 10)
• ☐ Shorts or light trousers (5 to 6)
• ☐ Light long-sleeved tops (2 to 3)
• ☐ Dresses or rompers (optional)
• ☐ A light jumper or fleece for evenings and planes
• ☐ Pyjamas (3)
• ☐ Underwear or nappies
• ☐ Socks (4 pairs)
• ☐ Sandals that fasten, plus closed shoes
• ☐ Sun hats (2)
• ☐ Light rain jacket

Swimming and beach

• ☐ Swim nappies (reusable or disposable)
• ☐ Sun suit or rash vest (2)
• ☐ Swim hat with neck flap
• ☐ Water shoes for rocky beaches
• ☐ Beach towel or hooded towel
• ☐ Bucket and spade
• ☐ Beach tent or umbrella
• ☐ Life jacket if you’ll be on a boat (check the size and weight range)

Sun and health

• ☐ Sunscreen SPF 30+ with 4-star UVA
• ☐ After-sun or a gentle moisturiser
• ☐ Toddler paracetamol or ibuprofen suitable for their age
• ☐ Thermometer
• ☐ Plasters
• ☐ Any prescribed medicines
• ☐ Insect repellent suitable for your child’s age (check the label)

Sleep

• ☐ Light sleeping bag (low tog for warm rooms)
• ☐ Comfort toy
• ☐ Portable blackout blind if your toddler needs dark
• ☐ Travel cot and sheets, if not provided

Food and drink

• ☐ Leak-proof water bottle or cup
• ☐ Snack boxes
• ☐ Bibs
• ☐ Portable high chair or booster, if needed
• ☐ Travel cutlery

Out and about

• ☐ Buggy with clip-on sunshade
• ☐ Carrier or sling
• ☐ Changing mat, nappies, wipes, nappy bags
• ☐ Small backpack for their own things
• ☐ Wet bag for swimwear

Print this checklist

Shopping by category

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Next steps

For the flight, see the under-seat bag packing list. For a younger baby, use our baby travel packing list. Heading to a theme park? Read theme parks with a toddler and the theme park day bag list.